A Wiltshire woman whose husband died from an aggressive brain tumour is making an emotional plea for public support this Christmas to fund groundbreaking research that could save thousands of lives.
A love story cut short by tragedy
Mandy Calaz from Devizes watched her beloved husband Mark's life be cut short by a glioblastoma brain tumour diagnosed in November 2019. The couple, who met through the Army Cadet Force where Mark organised expeditions, shared a passion for adventure and Christmas celebrations.
Mark was just 52 years old and in good health when he suffered a seizure that led to his devastating diagnosis. Doctors gave him the heartbreaking prognosis of just 18 months to live, sending the couple's world into turmoil.
The shocking reality of brain tumour funding
"You assume that in modern times there will be treatments and hope for a cure," Mandy explained. "So discovering that brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet have received only 1% of national cancer research funding since 2002, was absolutely shocking."
Just two days before Christmas in 2019, Mark underwent a craniotomy to remove as much of the tumour as possible. He then began radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, though the chemotherapy had to be stopped when the tablets began damaging his liver.
The radiotherapy treatment was intensified from six weeks to three weeks with double doses each time. After treatment, Mark found himself struggling with memory loss and reduced mobility - his evening walks dwindled from five miles to just two and a half.
Celebrating Christmas every month
When Mark's brain tumour returned, the Christmas-loving couple made a beautiful decision: they would celebrate Christmas on the 25th of every month, packing a lifetime of festive joy into whatever time they had left together.
For nearly a year, until Mark became too ill, they decorated their home and cooked full Christmas dinners with all the traditional trimmings. During COVID-19 lockdowns, kind neighbours and friends left Christmas cards and gifts on their doorstep to help maintain their monthly celebrations.
Tragically, Mark died on 4th July 2021, leaving Mandy with cherished memories but also the painful reality that in England, patients are four times less likely to survive five years after a brain tumour diagnosis compared to other cancers.
A legacy of hope and research
Mandy established the Fundraising Group M & M Adventures to create a lasting legacy for Mark and has now become one of the faces of the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal.
"I have wonderful memories of past Christmases with Mark - we had so much fun together - but they won't bring him back," Mandy said. "This time of year is incredibly difficult for me, as it is for everyone missing a loved one at the Christmas dinner table."
She added: "Please help change the story for brain tumour patients by supporting research to develop kinder, more effective treatments and ultimately find a cure."
Letty Greenfield, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, expressed deep gratitude for Mandy's involvement in their Christmas Appeal.
"Mandy is a truly dedicated supporter - just as Mark was after his diagnosis with an aggressive and incurable brain tumour," Greenfield said. "We urge everyone to donate today to fund life-saving research at our Centres of Excellence."
Brain Tumour Research campaigns for the government and larger cancer charities to increase investment in brain tumour studies. The charity is pushing for £35 million in annual national spending to improve survival rates to match those of other cancers like breast cancer and leukaemia.
With more than 100,000 people in the UK living with a brain tumour or the long-term impact of their diagnosis, every donation this Christmas could help bring hope to thousands of families affected by this devastating disease.
